David Moyes’ Dinosaur Tactics Killed Hopes vs Spurs

Positivity was there prior to the restart of play, but proven time and time again now, David Moyes’ poor tactics have killed West Ham’s ability to succeed in game.

There have been two major issues for David Moyes since the Premier Leagues return to play: figuring out substitutions and installing in-game positional planning. Neither have positively impacted West Ham and subsequently, the Hammers have fallen apart.

Starting with the subs, we all collectively hoped Moyes would figure this out after blundering away the opportunity to inject pace or a change of plans mid/late game prior to the break. With three months off and plenty of time to reassess, why can’t Moyes figure it out?

With restart rules now in place, clubs can make five substitutions from their extended nine-player bench over three opportunities. Manchester United, for example, prepared five players at the same time to be put into their match vs. Sheffield United in quick succession. Moyes on the other hand has made five subs, but it’s taken two matches to do so.

He is also always second to make a sub, allowing the opponent to set the pace and forcing his team to follow suit. Always inviting pressure, this team has to deal with ugly football, bad tactics, and nearly zero reinforcements off the bench.

Outside of substitutes, David Moyes cannot seem to manage a game plan, especially down the left side of the pitch. Against Wolves, Felipe Anderson didn’t know how to play striker, yet was started there with three players on the bench who actually play that position went unused.

Likewise, Pablo Fornals was implemented as a left-back against Spurs, stacking beside Aaron Cresswell and completely erasing any positive factor of having this playmaker on the field by playing him so far out of position.

This tactical ineptitude has even fallen upon Mark Noble. He shouldn’t have started both matches, and he certainly shouldn’t have been playing attacking midfield against Spurs. Because he was played so far forward where he doesn’t naturally play, he couldn’t make as much of an impact in the heart of the pitch and was essentially running around aimlessly in an effort to accomplish anything.

Moyes has the backing of the board, simply because its more egg on their face is they sack him twice in three years. He’s also the cheapest option and keeping him wouldn’t require more money to be forked over by the greedy three. Instead of making proactive positive moves, this board makes idiotic decisions and forces supporters to live with the consequences. So, get used to more lacklustre Moyes football to come.